The world is facing an unprecedented global health emergency with the spread of a new life-threatening virus known as Coronavirus or Covid-19. The outbreak that first appeared in December 2019 in Wuhan, a city in China, has now reported positive cases in more than 166 countries and territories. Amidst the global panic, it is necessary to learn about the basic precautions and measures that can contain the spread of the virus.

Wuhan, in China, became the initial epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak after which Italy has become the country to report the second highest number of cases. Around 1,99,000 individuals across the world have been infected so far of which only around 4% have lost their lives. This again majorly comprises old people suffering from pre-existing medical conditions.

In India, on March 2, 2020, our Health Minister, Dr Harsh Vardhan confirmed the first two cases of coronavirus in the country. At present, 147 people have been infected in the country with only 3 deaths so far, all consisting of elderly people suffering from pre-existing illnesses.

What is coronavirus?

They are a wide family of viruses that cause health issues amounting from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. These diseases are considered life-threatening, precisely why the World Health Organization declared it a pandemic! 

The virus derives its name, coronavirus from its shape which takes the form of a crown with protrusions around it. Prior to the recent outbreak, this virus does not have any previous history of being identified in humans.

This virus is zoonotic, which means that it can be transmitted between animals and humans. Research shows that Civet Cats and Dromedary Camels are the two animals that have been found to transmit the viruses to humans.

Symptoms

The most common signs of infection through coronavirus are:-

> Respiratory signs 

> Fever

> Cough

> Shortness of breath

> Breathing difficulties

> Pneumonia

> Severe acute respiratory syndrome

> Kidney failure 

> Life risk

Symptoms of pneumonia caused by Coronavirus

> First, it will infect the throat. Infected people will feel a dry sore throat which will last for 3 to 4 days.

> It will then blend into the nasal fluid and drip into the trachea and enter the lungs, causing pneumonia. This process will take 5 to 6 days.

> High fever and difficulty in breathing gets followed by pneumonia. This is not a normal kind of nasal congestion. One might feel like drowning in water.

Precautions

One major problem with the Covid-19 virus is that it can take up to 14 days for symptoms of the virus to surface. This has led to the virus getting rapidly transmitted between people without even their realization.

Using the following health and hygiene practices can prevent transmission of the disease.

> Regularly washing your hands.

> Covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing.

> Gargle the sore throat to eliminate or minimize the germs if they are in the throat.

> Thoroughly cooking meat and eggs

> Avoid contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illnesses such as coughing and sneezing.

> Restrict socializing and going out on travels unless it is urgent. 

In India, international travellers are being screened before entering the country. Also, if anyone has travelled abroad in the last few days, they are being asked to get themselves checked. If they are found with the coronavirus strain, they are being put into isolation ward or quarantined, on a case by case basis. This has helped to contain the spread of the virus in the country.

Cure

Since it is a new strain, no specific vaccine to treat the virus has been confirmed, but the first testing of an experimental vaccine is just done in the US on March 16, 2020. Further developments on its results and ultimate mass production of any vaccine may take several months. However, according to the WHO, “many of the symptoms can be treated and therefore treatment will be based on the patient’s clinical condition.” The good news is several infected patients around the world have recovered and have been discharged from hospitals. This has marked a turning point in dealing with the virus.

Will coronavirus affect the Indian Economy?

The World Health Organisation has declared a global health emergency. Global capital markets have seen high volatility and have witnessed colossal crashes. The prolonged quarantine period of individuals, disruption to supply chains and a sharp reduction in tourism and business travel could weaken the global economy or even cause a recession.

The demand for commodities in China has minimized, like freight and travel to and from the country have been restricted. Indian companies are also feeling the heat of this trade disruption. It has impacted the Indian stock market as well.

However, this impact in India is majorly due to the havoc it has created abroad. With all due measures executed aptly by our central and all the state governments, India has not been much affected by looking at the population we have. If things remain this way, then India has high chances to revive the domestic market and economy sooner than the rest of the world. Looking at the kind of deep market India has for all the sectors and industries this country hosts and the huge demand it internally caters to things will stabilise sooner.

While the entire globe is facing an economic crisis, some sectors are benefiting from this crisis, like the paints and plastics. As oil forms an input for this sector, the lower crude oil prices have reduced the cost of their inputs.

Immunity

Elderly and toddlers are primarily affected by coronavirus and that is due to their low immunity levels. Hence, boosting our physical immunity will help in fighting it better. Consuming a few easily available herbs can help to boost your immunity and act as a safeguard against the spread of novel coronavirus. The herbs mentioned below can also be taken daily -

> Amruth - It is an immunity enhancer and is readily available in the form of herb or tablets.

> Tulsi - Tulsi or Basil leaves have antiviral and antibacterial properties. In India, Tulsi is widely known to cure respiratory and common cold. The leaves can be consumed directly or in the form of herbal tea.

> Amla - Majorly consumed as a juice it is rich in antioxidant and contains Vitamin C. These two elements help to give a tremendous boost to your immune system.

> Turmeric - This is a spice which is found in every household in India. Apart from having antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, the spice can also safeguard against cancer, heart diseases and Alzheimer’s. 

> Black Pepper - A popular spice used in India it helps to prevent the body from contracting cold and illnesses.

Apart from these herbs, you should also engage in exercises and meditation. Doing a few minutes of some Yoga Asanas (postures) can help to rejuvenate the vital cells and organs of your body. People around the globe are stressed about the ill effects of coronavirus. Meditation can play a vital role in promoting mental well-being in these challenging times. Being more aware of your lifestyle and daily practices can help to prevent the spread of such viruses in the future. For example, sugar makes the immune system weak. Soft drinks and desserts have high proportions of sweet. You should also reduce your sugar and junk food intake to keep your immune system efficient.

World over people are embracing Namaste instead of handshakes and hugs as a way to greet each other. Coronavirus has become one of the most discussed topics of the entire globe and a matter of serious concern for every living being on earth. Prevention is the only way to contain the spread of the virus. As responsible human beings, we should wake up to this emerging situation by making an effort to boost our immune system, by maintaining and promoting healthy hygiene habits and by avoiding crowds as much as possible. And also, do try to avoid or postpone travelling to other places during this period, especially, to places most affected.